SUBSCRIBE to our emails here.

We’re in for a quality Thanksgiving treat. Three games are set to kick off, and all three are bangers — two divisional matchups and one interconference game between, arguably, the two top “America’s Team” candidates. It should be a fun one, so grab some turkey and enjoy.

Green Bay Packers (7-3-1) at Detroit Lions (7-4), 1 p.m. ET

The playoff implications: Both teams (surprisingly) trail the Chicago Bears (8-3) in the NFC North, so both squads are currently competing for wild-card spots. The Packers currently hold the No. 6 spot while Detroit is on the outside looking in at No. 8. Green Bay already holds a win over the Lions from Week 1, so a second victory could be devastating for Detroit’s playoff hopes in a very competitive NFC.

What to watch for: The injury reports for both teams in this game are massive. Lions wideout Kalif Raymond is out, as is safety Kerby Joseph for yet another game. Eight Lions are questionable, including four offensive linemen. On the other side, Packers WR Jayden Reed is out while WR Matthew Golden is questionable. Overall, 13 Lions and eight Packers carry some sort of designation. With so many interior O-linemen injured for Detroit, the Packers may be able to take advantage with a strong interior pass rush.

Predictions: Four of our writers gave their picks for Packers-Lions, with three of them taking Detroit. Here’s what Packers writer Wendell Ferreira had to say:

“Overall, I do think the Packers have a higher ceiling because they have a better quarterback and a more talented defense, but this is not the best moment for Green Bay to have such an impactful game. While Elgton Jenkins and Tucker Kraft are the only big piece of the roster that is out for season, and Sam LaPorta may be too for the Lions, the Packers might be without or with limited versions of Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Josh Jacobs, Lukas Van Ness, Quay Walker, and Keisean Nixon.

“I don’t expect this game to have that high of a scoring, and it could certainly go either way. But by how close these teams are playing, offensive health is a big factor. Lions 24, Packers 21.”

Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) at Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1), 4:30 p.m. ET

The playoff implications: Both teams sit at the No. 10 spots in their respective conferences. The Chiefs can ill afford another loss after dropping games to AFC wild-card competitors like the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers. Dallas is in a similar spot after losing to fellow NFC member Carolina Panthers earlier this season. A pivotal win is needed for both squads to remain relevant in the wild-card picture.

What to watch for: The Chiefs will be missing right guard Trey Smith — super rough timing with Cowboys defensive lineman Quinnen Williams quickly making an impact after being acquired by Dallas in a trade a few weeks ago. One positive for K.C. is that running back Isiah Pacheco will return, though Williams’ presence may curb any rushing success for the Chiefs.

Predictions: The Chiefs’ struggling offense showed life in the fourth quarter last week against a good Indianapolis Colts defense, so it may be able to get back on track this week. I think K.C. keeps that momentum rolling, and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is able to keep Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott at bay. Chiefs 24, Cowboys 20.

Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) at Baltimore Ravens (6-5), 8:20 p.m. ET

The playoff implications: Baltimore went from 1-5 to 6-5 and leading the AFC North in no time. They control their own destiny now — keep winning and stay on top of the division to get into the playoffs. The Bengals, meanwhile, are way down at No. 12 in the AFC, so they’ll need to go on a miracle run in order to get back into the playoff race. How will they accomplish that miracle? Well…

What to watch for: … Getting back QB Joe Burrow can certainly help. After going down with a toe injury in Week 2, it was thought that Burrow could miss the rest of the 2025 season. Well, he’s back early, and he’s ready to take on Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, who has been unproductive as he’s battled through several injuries this season. This game is a prime opportunity for Cincy to get back into the mix — a returning star QB getting a win over a division rival could pave the way for a major run.

Predictions: Not so fast. Though Burrow is returning, the Bengals still have plenty of issues, including an awful defense allowing a league-most 415.8 yards per game and 32.7 points per game. The Ravens D has had its bad games this season, but hasn’t allowed a 20-point scorer once during its current five-game winning streak. I see the Bengals keeping it close early but the Ravens eventually pulling away. Ravens 34, Bengals 20.

NFL Newsletter

Week 12 Takeaways: Contenders rise, pretenders fall | A to Z Sports All-NFL newsletter

Our All-NFL newsletter from November 25,2025.

Adam Zientek